A child’s dental health is an important part of his or her overall wellbeing. The proper care and development of one’s baby teeth sets a standard for a lifetime of oral health, so it is essential that your child’s teeth are looked after in every way possible. This includes much more than just brushing, flossing, and visiting the family dentist. What children eat also affects the health of their teeth.

Here are some examples of foods that can affect your child’s dental health:

? Sugary Drinks

Sodas, bottled iced teas, and heavily sweetened juices are packed with sugars and flavor additives that can gradually wear down the enamel on your child’s teeth. These drinks can also be very sticky, which means that sugars can stay on teeth well after drinking, encouraging cavity-causing bacteria to grow. Your children’s dentist can recommend healthy alternatives to these unhealthy beverages.

? Fermentable Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates found in foods like crackers, cookies, and chips are heavy contributors to acids that can cause dental cavities and special care should be taken to avoid excess consumption of these foods. Aside from brushing after eating these snacks, one good way to minimize the acids they create is to pair the carbohydrates with other kinds of base food, such as cheeses, that can neutralize the acids.

? Fiber-Rich Raw Food

Beloved by pediatric dentists, foods that are high in fiber are excellentforcleaningteeth and massaging gums. The high water content of raw vegetables and the increased salivation caused by eating raw foods neutralizes acids and rinses the mouth of sticky sugars and bacteria. Just be sure to brush the fiber out of your braces instead of leaving it for your pediatric orthodontist.

Whether your child has been drinking gallons of lemon lime soda or chewing raw carrots every day, it is important that he or she sees a dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and a checkup. Best Kids Dentist in Brooklyn offers family dentistry, pediatric orthodontics, laser pediatric dentistry, and manyotherservices. Call (718) 491-5300 today to set up an appointment or ask about any of our services.